Therapeutic use of N-(1H-Indolyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to therapeutic use of compounds of general formula (I): 
                         
in which X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , X 4 , X 5 , Z 1 , Z 2 , Z 3 , Z 4  and Z 5 , R, Y and n are as defined herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.12/109,388, filed Apr. 25, 2008, now allowed, which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 11/624,406, filed Jan. 18, 2007, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,384,969 B2, issued, Jun. 10, 2008, which is a continuation ofInternational application No. PCT/FR2005/002,014, filed Aug. 2, 2005,all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety;which claims the benefit of priority of French Patent Application No.04/08,652, filed Aug. 5, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A subject-matter of the invention is compounds derived fromN-(1H-indolyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamides which exhibit an in vitro and invivo antagonist activity for receptors of TRPV1 (or VR1) type.

2. Description of the Art

Compounds disclosed in the document WO-A-03049702 of use in thetreatment of diseases in which receptors of VR1 type are involved arealready known, said reference is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

There still exists a need to find and develop products exhibiting a goodin vivo activity.

The invention meets this aim by providing novel compounds which exhibitan in vitro and in vivo antagonist activity for receptors of VR1 type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first subject-matter of the invention is the compounds correspondingto the general formula (I) below.

Another subject-matter of the invention is processes for the preparationof the compounds of general formula (I).

Another subject-matter of the invention is the use of the compounds ofgeneral formula (I), in particular in medicaments or in pharmaceuticalcompositions.

The compounds of the invention correspond to the general formula (I):

in which

-   X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄ and Z₅ represent, independently of    one another, a hydrogen or halogen atom or a C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₇    cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ fluoroalkoxy,    cyano, C(O)NR₁R₂, nitro, NR₁R₂, C₁-C₆ thioalkyl, —S(O)—(C₁-C₆)alkyl,    —S(O)₂—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, SO₂NR₁R₂, NR₃COR₄, NR₃SO₂R₅ or aryl group;-   X₅ represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆    fluoroalkyl group;-   R represents a 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-indolyl group,

-   R optionally being substituted in the 1, 2 and/or 3 position by one    or more groups chosen from C₁-C₆ alkyl and C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl groups;-   R optionally being substituted in the 4, 5, 6 and/or 7 position by    one or more groups chosen from halogen atoms or C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆    fluoroalkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy or C₁-C₆ fluoroalkoxy groups;-   Y represents a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₆ alkyl group;-   n is equal to 0, 1, 2 or 3;-   R₁ and R₂ represent, independently of one another, a hydrogen atom    or a C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, (C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl or    aryl group; or R₁ and R₂ form, together with the nitrogen atom which    carries them, an azetidine, pyrrolidine, piperidine, azepine,    morpholine, thiomorpholine, piperazine or homopiperazine group, this    group optionally being substituted by a C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₇    cycloalkyl, (C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl or aryl group;-   R₃ and R₄ represent, independently of one another, a hydrogen atom    or a C₁-C₆ alkyl or aryl group;-   R₅ represents a C₁-C₆ alkyl or aryl group.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the context of the present invention:

-   -   C_(t)-C_(z), where t and z can take the values from 1 to 6, is        understood to mean a carbon chain which can have from t to z        carbon atoms, for example C₁-C₃ is understood to mean a carbon        chain which can have from 1 to 3 carbon atoms;    -   an alkyl is understood to mean a saturated, linear or branched,        aliphatic group. Mention may be made, by way of examples, of the        methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl or        pentyl groups, and the like;    -   a cycloalkyl is understood to mean a cyclic carbon group.        Mention may be made, by way of examples, of the cyclopropyl,        cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl groups, and the like;    -   a fluoroalkyl is understood to mean an alkyl group, one or more        hydrogen atoms of which have been substituted by a fluorine        atom;    -   an alkoxy is understood to mean an —O-alkyl radical where the        alkyl group is as defined above;    -   a fluoroalkoxy is understood to mean an alkoxy group, one or        more hydrogen atoms of which have been substituted by a fluorine        atom;    -   a thioalkyl is understood to mean an —S-alkyl radical where the        alkyl group is as defined above;    -   an aryl is understood to mean a cyclic aromatic group comprising        between 6 and 10 carbon atoms. Mention may be made, by way of        examples of aryl groups, of the phenyl or naphthyl groups;    -   a halogen atom is understood to mean a fluorine, a chlorine, a        bromine or an iodine.

The compounds of formula (I) can exist in the form of bases or ofaddition salts with acids. Such addition salts form part of theinvention.

These salts are advantageously prepared with pharmaceutically acceptableacids but the salts of other acids, of use, for example, in thepurification or the isolation of the compounds of formula (I), also formpart of the invention.

The compounds of general formula (I) can exist in the form of hydratesor of solvates, namely in the form of combinations or associations withone or more molecules of water or with a solvent. Such hydrates andsolvates also form part of the invention.

Among the compounds of formula (I) which are subject-matters of theinvention, a first subgroup of compounds is composed of the compoundsfor which: X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄ and Z₅ represent,independently of one another, a hydrogen or halogen atom, moreparticularly a fluorine, a bromine or a chlorine, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group,more particularly a methyl, a propyl, an isopropyl, a sec-butyl, atert-butyl or a pentyl, a C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl group, more particularly acyclopentyl or a cyclohexyl, a C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl group, moreparticularly a CF₃, a C₁-C₆ alkoxy group, more particularly a methoxy oran ethoxy, a C₁-C₆ fluoroalkoxy group, more particularly an OCF₃, anitro group, an NR₁R₂ group, a C₁-C₆ thioalkyl group, more particularlya thiomethyl, an —S(O)—(C₁-C₆)alkyl group, an —S(O)₂—(C₁-C₆)alkyl group,more particularly an —S(O)₂—CH₃, or an aryl group, more particularlyphenyl; and/or

-   X₅ represents a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, more    particularly a methyl; and/or-   R represents a 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-indolyl group,

-   R optionally being substituted in the 1, 2 and/or 3 position by one    or more C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, more particularly methyl or isopropyl    groups; and/or-   Y represents a hydrogen atom; and/or-   n is equal to 0, 1, 2 or 3;-   R₁ and R₂ represent, independently of one another, a hydrogen atom.

Among the compounds of formula (I) which are subject-matters of theinvention, a second subgroup of compounds is composed of the compoundsfor which:

-   X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄ and Z₅ represent, independently of    one another, a hydrogen or halogen atom, more particularly a    fluorine, a bromine or a chlorine, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, more    particularly a methyl, a propyl, an isopropyl, a sec-butyl, a    tert-butyl or a pentyl, a C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl group, more particularly    a cyclopentyl or a cyclohexyl, a C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl group, more    particularly a CF₃, a C₁-C₆ alkoxy group, more particularly a    methoxy or an ethoxy, a C₁-C₆ fluoroalkoxy group, more particularly    an OCF₃, a nitro group, a C₁-C₆ thioalkyl group, more particularly a    thiomethyl, an —S(O)—(C₁-C₆)alkyl group, an —S(O)₂—(C₁-C₆)alkyl    group, more particularly an —S(O)₂—CH₃, or an aryl group, more    particularly phenyl; and/or-   X₅ represents a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, more    particularly a methyl; and/or-   R represents a 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-indolyl group,

-   R optionally being substituted in the 1, 2 and/or 3 position by one    or more C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, more particularly methyl groups; and/or-   Y represents a hydrogen atom; and/or-   n is equal to 0, 1, 2 or 3.

Among the compounds of formula (I) which are subject-matters of theinvention, a third subgroup of compounds is composed of the compoundsfor which:

-   X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄ and Z₅ represent, independently of    one another, a hydrogen or halogen atom or a C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₇    cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ fluoroalkoxy,    cyano, C(O)NR₁R₂, nitro, NR₁R₂, C₁-C₆ thioalkyl, —S(O)—(C₁-C₆)alkyl,    —S(O)₂—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, SO₂NR₁R₂, NR₃COR₄, NR₃SO₂R₅ or aryl group;-   X₅ represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆    fluoroalkyl group;-   R represents a 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-indolyl group,

-   R optionally being substituted in the 1, 2 and/or 3 position by one    or more groups chosen from C₁-C₆ alkyl and C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl groups;-   R optionally being substituted in the 4, 5, 6 and/or 7 position by    one or more groups chosen from halogen atoms or C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆    fluoroalkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy or C₁-C₆ fluoroalkoxy groups;-   Y represents a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₆ alkyl group;-   n is equal to 0, 1, 2 or 3;-   R₁ and R₂ represent, independently of one another, a hydrogen atom    or a C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, (C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl or    aryl group; or R₁ and R₂ form, together with the nitrogen atom which    carries them, an azetidine, pyrrolidine, piperidine, azepine,    morpholine, thiomorpholine, piperazine or homopiperazine group, this    group optionally being substituted by a C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₇    cycloalkyl, (C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl or aryl group;-   R₃ and R₄ represent, independently of one another, a hydrogen atom    or a C₁-C₆ alkyl or aryl group;-   R₅ represents a C₁-C₆ alkyl or aryl group;-   with the condition that, when Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄ and Z₅ simultaneously    represent hydrogen atoms, then n is equal to 2 or 3.

Among the compounds of formula (I) which are subject-matters of theinvention, a fourth subgroup of compounds is composed of the compoundsfor which:

-   R represents an indol-5-yl group

-   R optionally being substituted in the 1, 2 and/or 3 position by one    or more groups chosen from C₁-C₆ alkyl and C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl groups;-   R optionally being substituted in the 4, 6 and/or 7 position by one    or more groups chosen from halogen atoms or C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆    fluoroalkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy or C₁-C₆ fluoroalkoxy groups;-   X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄, Z₅, Y, n, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅    being as defined in the general formula (I) above or as defined in    the first, the second or the third subgroup above.

Among the compounds of formula (I) which are subject-matters of theinvention, a fifth subgroup of compounds is composed of the compoundsfor which:

-   X₂ and/or X₃ are other than a hydrogen atom;-   X₁, X₃, X₄, X₅, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄, Z₅, R, Y, n, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅    being as defined in the general formula (I) above or as defined in    the first, the second, the third or the fourth subgroup above.

Among the compounds of formula (I) which are subject-matters of theinvention, a sixth subgroup of compounds is composed of the compoundsfor which:

-   X₅ represents the hydrogen atom:-   X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄, Z₅, R, Y, n, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅    being as defined in the general formula (I) above or as defined in    the first, the second, the third, the fourth or the fifth subgroup    above.

Among the compounds of formula (I) which are subject-matters of theinvention, a seventh subgroup of compounds is composed of the compoundsfor which:

-   Y represents a hydrogen atom;-   X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄, Z₅, R, n, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅    being as defined in the general formula (I) above or as defined in    the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth or the sixth    subgroup above.

In accordance with the invention, the compounds of general formula (I)can be prepared according to the process illustrated by the followingScheme 1.

According to Scheme 1, the compounds of general formula (IV) can beobtained by reaction of a compound of general formula (II), in which X₁,X₂, X₃, X₄

and X₅ are as defined in the general formula (I) above and A representsa C₁-C₆ alkoxy or hydroxyl group, with a compound of general formula(III), in which Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄, Z₅ and n are as defined in the generalformula (I) above and R′ represents a bromine or iodine atom, a tosylategroup or any other equivalent group.

When n=1, 2 or 3, the compound of general formula (III) can be an alkylhalide, such as a benzyl bromide (n=1: Kolasa T., Bioorg. Med. Chem.,1997, 5, (3) 507) or a phenethyl iodide (n=2: Abramovitch R., Synth.Commun., 1995, 25 (1), 1), and the reaction can be carried out in thepresence of a base, such as sodium hydride or potassium carbonate, in apolar solvent, such as dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide or acetone.

When n=0, the compound of general formula (III) is an aryl iodide orbromide and the reaction can be carried out at a temperature of between80° C. and 250° C. in the presence of a copper-based catalyst, such ascopper bromide or copper oxide, and of a base, such as potassiumcarbonate (Murakami Y., Chem. Pharm. Bull., 1995, 43 (8), 1281). It isalso possible to use milder conditions, described in S. L. Buchwald, J.Am. Chem. Soc., 2002, 124, 11684.

Alternatively, the compounds of general formula (IV) in which n=0 can beobtained by reaction of the compound of general formula (II) with acompound of general formula (III) of boronic acid type (n=0, R′=B(OH)₂)in the presence of a base, such as triethylamine or pyridine, and ofcopper diacetate, by analogy with protocols described in W. W. K. R.Mederski, Tetrahedron, 1999, 55, 12757.

The compounds of general formula (II) are commercially available or areprepared according to numerous processes described in the literature (D.Knittel, Synthesis, 1985, 2, 186, and T. M. Williams, J. Med. Chem.,1993, 36 (9), 1291, for example).

In the case of the indoles of general formula (IV) in which A representsa C₁-C₆ alkoxy group, the compound of general formula (I) is obtained byreaction of a compound of general formula (IV) as obtained above with anamide of the compound of general formula (V), in which R and Y are asdefined in the general formula (I) above, at reflux of a solvent, suchas toluene. The amide of the compound of general formula (V) is preparedby prior reaction of trimethylaluminum with the aminoindoles of generalformula (V).

In the case of the indoles of general formula (IV) in which A representsa hydroxyl group, the carboxylic acid functional group can be convertedbeforehand to an acid halide, such as an acid chloride, by the action ofthionyl chloride at reflux of a solvent, such as dichloromethane ordichloroethane. The compound of general formula (I) is then obtained byreaction of the compound of general formula (IV), in which A representsa chlorine atom, with the amino-indole of general formula (IV) in thepresence of a base, such as triethylamine.

Alternatively, the indole of general formula (IV) in which A representsa hydroxyl group can be coupled to the aminoindole of general formula(V) in the presence of a coupling agent, such as a dialkylcarbodiimide,(benzotriazol-1-yloxy)tri-pyrrolidinophosphonium hexafluorophosphate,diethyl cyanophosphonate or any other coupling agent known to a personskilled in the art, in the presence of a base, such as triethylamine, ina solvent, such as dimethylformamide.

The aminoindoles of general formula (V) are prepared according toprocesses described in the literature, such as in I. T. Forbes, J. Med.Chem., 1993, 36 (8), 1104 (Y=H), I. T. Forbes, WO9205170 (Y=alkyl).

In Scheme 1, the compounds of formulae (II), (III) and (V) and the otherreactants, when their method of preparation is not described, arecommercially available or are described in the literature or else can beprepared according to methods which are described therein or which areknown to a person skilled in the art.

The compounds of general formulae (II), (IV) and (I) in which X₁, X₂,X₃, X₄, X₅, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄ and/or Z₅ represent a cyano group or an arylcan be obtained by a coupling reaction, catalyzed by a metal such aspalladium, carried out on the corresponding compounds of generalformulae (II), (IV) or (I) in which X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄and/or Z₅ represent a bromine atom.

The compounds of general formulae (II), (IV) and (I) in which X₁, X₂,X₃, X₄, X₅, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄ and/or Z₅ represent a C(O)NR₁R₂ group can beobtained from the corresponding compounds of general formulae (II), (IV)or (I) in which X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄ and/or Z₅ represent acyano group according to methods which are described in the literatureor which are known to a person skilled in the art.

The compounds of general formulae (II), (IV) and (I) in which X₁, X₂,X₃, X₄, X₅, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄ and/or Z₅ represent an S(O)-alkyl orS(O)₂-alkyl group can be obtained by oxidation of the correspondingcompounds of general formulae (II), (IV) or (I) in which X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄,X₅, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄ and/or Z₅ represent a C₁-C₆ thioalkyl group accordingto methods which are described in the literature or which are known to aperson skilled in the art.

The compounds of general formulae (II), (IV) and (I) in which X₁, X₂,X₃, X₄, X₅, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄ and/or Z₅ represent an NR₁R₂, NR₃COR₄ orNR₃SO₂R₄ group can be obtained from the corresponding compounds ofgeneral formulae (II), (IV) or (I) in which X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅, Z₁, Z₂,Z₃, Z₄ and/or Z₅ represent a nitro group, for example by reduction andthen acylation or sulfonylation, according to methods which aredescribed in the literature or which are known to a person skilled inthe art.

The compounds of general formulae (II), (IV) and (I) in which X₁, X₂,X₃, X₄, X₅, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄ and/or Z₅ represent an SO₂NR₁R₂ group can beobtained by a method analogous to that described in Pharmazie, 1990, 45,346, or according to methods which are described in the literature orwhich are known to a person skilled in the art.

The following examples describe the preparation of some compounds inaccordance with the invention. These examples are not limiting and onlyillustrate the present invention. The numbers of the compoundsexemplified refer to those given in Table 1. The elementalmicroanalyses, the LC-MS (liquid chromatography coupled to massspectrometry) analyses and the IR and NMR spectra confirm the structuresof the compounds obtained.

Unless otherwise indicated, the chemical reactants used in the examplesare all commercially available.

EXAMPLE 1 Compound No. 1N-(1-Methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-1-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide

1.1 Ethyl 1-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylate

A suspension of 0.492 g (2.6 mmol) of ethyl 1H-indole-2-carboxylate, of0.683 g (2.86 mmol) of 3-trifluoromethylbenzyl bromide and of 0.898 g(6.5 mmol) of potassium carbonate in 50 ml of dimethylformamide isstirred at 60° C. for 24 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled and ispoured into a mixture of ice-cold water and of ethyl acetate. Aftersettling, the organic phase is separated and is then washed with twotimes 50 ml of water and then with 50 ml of a saturated sodium chloridesolution. The solution is dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, andthen the filtrate is concentrated under reduced pressure. 0.8 g of anoil is obtained, which oil is used as is in the following stage.

1.2N-(1-Methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-1-(3-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide(Compound No. 1)

A solution of 0.231 g (1.58 mmol) of 1-methyl-1H-5-aminoindole (I. T.Forbes, J. Med. Chem., 1993, 36 (8), 1104) in 15 ml of toluene is addeddropwise at 0° C. to a solution of 0.93 ml (1.87 mmol) oftrimethylaluminum (2M in toluene) in 6 ml of toluene. After stirring for15 minutes, 0.5 g (1.44 mmol) of ethyl1-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylate, obtained in Stage1.1, is added. The mixture is heated at 50° C. for 4 hours. The reactionmixture is subsequently hydrolyzed by addition of 10 ml of water andthen it is taken up in 100 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic phase iswashed with 100 ml of 1N hydrochloric acid, with two times 50 ml ofwater and then with 50 ml of a saturated sodium chloride solution. Thesolution is dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, and then thefiltrate is concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue is purifiedby chromatography on a silica column, elution being carried out with amixture of cyclohexane and of dichloromethane, and then it isrecrystallized from isopropanol. 0.33 g of product is thus obtained.

Melting point: 189-190° C.

¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO): δ (ppm): 3.75 (s, 3H), 5.93 (s, 2H), 6.38 (d, 1H), 7.4(m, 11H), 7.71 (d, 1H), 7.96 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 2 Compound No. 2N-(1-Methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-5-methoxy-1-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide

2.1 Ethyl 5-methoxy-1H-indole-2-carboxylate

1.91 ml (26.15 mmol) of thionyl chloride are added dropwise withstirring at 0° C. to a solution of 1 g (5.23 mmol) of5-methoxy-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid in 52 ml of ethanol. The reactionmixture is heated at reflux for 2 hours and then it is cooled andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue is taken up in 100 mlof ethyl acetate and this solution is washed with two times 50 ml ofwater and then with 50 ml of a saturated sodium chloride solution. Thesolution is dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, and then thefiltrate is concentrated under reduced pressure. 1.2 g of product areobtained, which product is used as is in the following stage.

2.2 Ethyl 5-methoxy-1-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylate

A solution of 1.2 g (5.47 mmol) of ethyl5-methoxy-1H-indole-2-carboxylate, obtained in Stage 2.1, in 50 ml ofdimethylformamide is added dropwise to a suspension of 0.306 g of sodiumhydride in 10 ml of dimethylformamide. The mixture is stirred at ambienttemperature for 1 hour, then 1.01 ml (6.57 mmol) of3-trifluoromethylbenzyl bromide are added and stirring is maintained foran additional 4 hours. The reaction mixture is poured onto 200 ml ofice-cold water and 100 ml of ethyl acetate. After settling, the organicphase is separated and then it is washed with three times 50 ml of waterand then with 50 ml of a saturated sodium chloride solution. Thesolution is dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, and then thefiltrate is concentrated under reduced pressure. 2 g of product areobtained, which product is used as is in the following stage.

2.3N-(1-Methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-5-methoxy-1-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide(Compound No. 2)

A solution of 0.278 g (1.91 mmol) of 1-methyl-1H-5-aminoindole (I. T.Forbes, J. Med. Chem., 1993, 36 (8), 1104) in 15 ml of toluene is addeddropwise at 0° C. to a solution of 1.59 ml (3.18 mmol) oftrimethylaluminum (2M in toluene) in 10 ml of toluene. After stirringfor 15 minutes, 0.6 g (1.59 mmol) of ethyl5-methoxy-1-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylate, obtainedin Stage 2.2, is added. The mixture is heated at 50° C. for 4 hours. Thereaction mixture is hydrolyzed by addition of 10 ml of water and then itis taken up in 100 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic phase is washed with100 ml of 1N hydrochloric acid, with two times 50 ml of water and thenwith 50 ml of a saturated sodium chloride solution. The solution isdried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, and then the filtrate isconcentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting product is purifiedby chromatography on a silica column, elution being carried out with amixture of cyclohexane and of ethyl acetate, and then it isrecrystallized from isopropanol. 0.55 g of product is obtained.

Melting point: 176-177° C.

¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO): δ (ppm): 3.8 (s, 3H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 5.9 (s, 2H), 6.49(d, 1H), 7.2 (m, 8H), 7.48 (m, 2H), 7.9 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 3 Compound No. 3N-(1-Methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-5-fluoro-1-(3-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide

3.1 Ethyl 5-fluoro-1-(3-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylate

A suspension of 0.207 g (1 mmol) of ethyl5-fluoro-1H-indole-2-carboxylate, 0.173 g (1.2 mmol) of 3-fluorobenzylchloride and 0.276 g (2 mmol) of potassium carbonate in 10 ml ofdimethylformamide is stirred at 60° C. for 24 hours. The reactionmixture is subsequently cooled and is poured into a mixture of ice-coldwater and of ethyl acetate. After settling, the organic phase isseparated and then it is washed with two times 50 ml of water and thenwith 50 ml of a saturated sodium chloride solution. The solution isdried over magnesium sulfate and is filtered, and then the filtrate isconcentrated under reduced pressure. 0.195 g of an oil is obtained,which oil is used as is in the following stage.

3.2N-(1-Methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-5-fluoro-1-(3-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide(Compound No. 3)

A solution of 0.146 g (0.7 mmol) of 1-methyl-1H-5-aminoindole (I. T.Forbes, J. Med. Chem., 1993, 36 (8), 1104) in 15 ml of toluene is addeddropwise at 0° C. to a solution of 0.7 ml (1.4 mmol) oftrimethylaluminum (2M in toluene) in 3 ml of toluene. After stirring for15 minutes, 0.195 g (0.62 mol) of ethyl5-fluoro-1-(3-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylate, obtained in Stage3.1, is added. The mixture is heated at 50° C. for 4 hours. The reactionmixture is hydrolyzed by addition of 10 ml of water and then it is takenup in 100 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic phase is washed with 100 mlof 1N hydrochloric acid, with two times 50 ml of water and then with 50ml of a saturated sodium chloride solution. The solution is dried overmagnesium sulfate and filtered, and then the filtrate is concentratedunder reduced pressure. The residue is purified by chromatography on asilica column, elution being carried out with a mixture of cyclohexaneand of dichloromethane. 0.152 g of product is obtained.

Melting point =187-189° C.

¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO): δ (ppm): 3.77 (s, 3H), 5.87 (s, 2H), 6.38 (d, 1H), 7(m, 4H), 7.32 (m, 7H), 7.98 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 4 Compound No. 30N-(1-Methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide

4.1 1-(4-Isopropylphenyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid

A suspension of 128.8 g (0.8 mol) of 1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid, of159.2 g (0.8 mol) of 4-bromocumene, of 111.6 g (0.808 mol) of potassiumcarbonate and of 8 g (0.1 mol) of copper oxide in 200 ml ofdimethylformamide is stirred at reflux for 24 hours. After cooling, 6 lof water are added to the beige suspension obtained. The suspension isfiltered and then the insoluble material is taken up in 1 l of a 5Nhydrochloric acid solution. This mixture is extracted with 500 ml ofdichloromethane. The organic phase is washed with water, dried oversodium sulfate and then concentrated under reduced pressure. Afterdrying under reduced pressure, 204.4 g of a white solid are obtained,which solid is used as is in the following stage.

Melting point=203-204° C.

4.2 1-(4-Isopropylphenyl)-1H-indole-2-carbonyl chloride

A solution of 111 mg (0.4 mmol) of1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid, obtained in Stage4.1, and of 90 ml (1.2 mmol) of thionyl chloride in 2 ml ofdichloroethane is stirred at reflux for 3 hours. The reaction medium isconcentrated under reduced pressure. A residue is obtained, whichresidue is used as is in the following stage.

4.3N-(1-Methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide(Compound No. 30)

A solution of 119 mg (0.4 mmol) of1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-1H-indole-2-carbonyl chloride, obtained in Stage4.2, 70 mg (0.48 mmol) of 1-methyl-1H-5-aminoindole and 110 ml (0.8mmol) of triethylamine in 2 ml of tetrahydrofuran is stirred at ambienttemperature for 18 hours. The reaction mixture is concentrated underreduced pressure and is taken up in 20 ml of water and 50 ml ofdichloromethane. The organic phase is separated, washed with 50 ml of 1Nhydrochloric acid, dried over magnesium sulfate and then concentratedunder reduced pressure. The residue is purified by chromatography on asilica column, elution being carried out with a mixture of cyclohexaneand of ethyl acetate. 0.133 g of product is obtained.

Melting point: 178-179° C.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ (ppm): 1.39 (d, 6H), 3.05 (sept., 1H), 3.8 (s, 3H),6.4 (d, 1H), 7.29 (m, 11H), 7.78 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 5 Compound No. 4N-(1-Methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide

5.1 1-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid

The compound can be prepared according to a method analogous to thatdescribed in Stage 4.1 of Example 4, the 4-bromocumene being replacedwith 3-bromo-α,α,α-trifluorotoluene.

5.2N-(1-Methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide

A solution of 2 g (6.55 mmol) of1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid (prepared byanalogy with the method described in Stage 4.1 of Example 4), 1.14 g(7.86 mmol) of 1-methyl-1H-5-aminoindole (I. T. Forbes, J. Med. Chem.,1993, 36 (8), 1104), 1.2 ml (7.86 mmol) of diethyl cyanophosphonate and2.03 ml (14.41 mmol) of triethylamine in 20 ml of dimethylformamide isstirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The reaction mixtures isconcentrated under reduced pressure and then it is taken up in 50 ml ofwater. This solution is extracted with two times 50 ml ofdichloromethane. The organic phases are combined, dried over sodiumsulfate and then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residueobtained is purified by chromatography on a silica column, elution beingcarried out with a mixture of cyclohexane and of ethyl acetate.

1.97 g of product are isolated.

Melting point: 225-226° C.

¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO): δ (ppm): 3.79 (s, 3H), 6.41 (d, 1H), 7.05 (d, 1H),7.28 (m, 3H), 7.77 (m, 7H).

EXAMPLE 6 Compound No. 41N-(1-Methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-1-(3-isopropylphenyl)-5-trifluoromethyloxy-1H-indole-2-carboxamide

6.1 Ethyl1-(3-isopropylphenyl)-5-trifluoromethyloxy-1H-indole-2-carboxylate

A mixture of 0.2 g (0.73 mmol) of ethyl5-trifluoromethyloxy-1H-indole-2-carboxylate, of 0.24 g (1.46 mmol) of3-isopropylphenylboronic acid, of 0.2 g (1.1 mmol) of copper diacetateand of 0.12 ml (1.46 mmol) of pyridine in 5 ml of dichloromethane isstirred in the presence of 4 Å molecular sieve at ambient temperaturefor 4 days. The mixture is poured onto 100 ml of water and 50 ml ofdichloromethane. The organic phase is separated, washed with 1Nhydrochloric acid, dried over magnesium sulfate and then concentratedunder reduced pressure. The residue is purified by chromatography on asilica column, elution being carried out with a mixture of cyclohexaneand of ethyl acetate. 0.1 g of product is obtained, which product isused as is in the following stage.

6.2N-(1-Methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-1-(3-isopropylphenyl)-5-trifluoromethyloxy-1H-indole-2-carboxamide(Compound No. 41)

A solution of 0.0493 g (0.34 mmol) of 1-methyl-5-amino-1H-indole (I. T.Forbes, J. Med. Chem., 1993, 36 (8), 1104) in 5 ml of toluene is addeddropwise at 0° C. to a solution of 0.28 ml (0.56 mmol) oftrimethylaluminum (2M in toluene) in 2 ml of toluene. After stirring for15 minutes, 0.1 g (0.28 mmol) of ethyl1-(3-isopropylphenyl)-5-trifluoromethyloxy-1H-indole-2-carboxylate,obtained in Stage 6.1, is added. The mixture is heated at 50° C. for 4hours. The reaction mixture is hydrolyzed by addition of 10 ml of waterand then it is taken up in 100 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic phase iswashed with 100 ml of 1N hydrochloric acid, with two times 50 ml ofwater and then with 50 ml of a saturated sodium chloride solution. Thesolution is dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, and then thefiltrate is concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue is purifiedby chromatography on a silica column, elution being carried out with amixture of cyclohexane and of ethyl acetate, and then it isrecrystallized from isopropanol. 0.136 g of product is obtained.

Melting point: 164-165° C.

¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO): δ (ppm): 1.22 (d×s, 6H), 2.98 (m, 1H), 3.79 (s, 3H),6.38 (d, 1H), 7.4 (m, 11H), 7.9 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 7 Compound No. 70N-(1H-Indol-5-yl)-5-fluoro-1-(3-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide

A solution of 0.46 g (3.49 mmol) of 5-amino-1H-indole in 50 ml oftoluene is added dropwise at 0° C. to a solution of 4.76 ml (9.51 mmol)of trimethylaluminum (2M in toluene) in 10 ml of toluene. After stirringfor 15 minutes, 1 g (3.17 mmol) of ethyl5-fluoro-1-(3-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylate, obtained in Stage3.1 of Example 3, is added. The mixture is heated at 50° C. for 4 hours.The reaction mixture is hydrolyzed by addition of 10 ml of water andthen it is taken up in 100 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic phase iswashed with 100 ml of 1N hydrochloric acid, with two times 50 ml ofwater and then with 50 ml of a saturated sodium chloride solution. Thesolution is dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, and then thefiltrate is concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue is purifiedby chromatography on a silica column, elution being carried out with amixture of cyclohexane and of dichloromethane. 0.7 g of product isobtained.

Melting point=158-163° C.

¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO): δ (ppm): 5.87 (s, 2H), 6.38 (m, 1H), 6.9 (m, 2H), 7.1(m, 2H), 7.31 (m, 5H), 7.51 (m, 2H), 7.92 (s, 1H), 10.26 (s, 1H), 10.98(s, 1H).

The chemical structures and the physical properties of a few compoundsof general formula (I) according to the invention are illustrated in thefollowing Table 1. In this table:

-   -   the column “M.p.” gives the melting points of the products in        degrees Celsius (° C.). When the products have been isolated in        the form of an amorphous solid or oil, they are characterized in        this column by their mass ([MH]⁺);    -   Me, MeO, EtO, n-Pr, i-Pr, s-Bu and t-Bu respectively represent        methyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propyl, isopropyl, sec-butyl and        tert-butyl groups.

TABLE 1 (I)

X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, No. X₅ R Y n Z₁ Z₂ Z₃ Z₄ Z₅ M.p. (° C.) 1 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H CF₃ H H H 189- 190 2 H, MeO, H, H,1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H CF₃ H H H 176- H 177 3 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H 187- 189 4 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H CF₃ H H H 225- 226 5 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H Me H Me H 142- 144 6 H, Me, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H CF₃ H H H 195- 196 7 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H H H H 182- 184 8 H, H, MeO, H,1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H CF₃ H H H 160- H 161 9 H, Cl, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H CF₃ H H H 205- 206 10 MeO, H, H, H,1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H CF₃ H H H 215- H 217 11 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H CF₃ H H H 188- 191 12 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H H CF₃ H H 220- 221 13 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H CF₃ H H Cl 199- 200 14 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H Me H H H 161- 163 15 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H MeO H H H [MH]⁺: 428 16 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H CF₃O H H H 173- 174 17 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H H t-Bu H H 217- 218 18 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H Cl H H H 171- 172 19 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H F H H 224- 225 20 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H SMe H H 73-74 21 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H s-Bu H H 191- 192 22 H, MeO, H, H,1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H H H H 166- H 168 23 H, H, Me, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H i-Pr H H 147- 148 24 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H n-pentyl H H [MH]⁺: 436 25 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H cyclopentyl H H 221- 222 26 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H Ph H H 194- 195 27 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol5--yl H 0 H H CF₃ H H 233- 235 28 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H n-Pr H H 144- 146 29 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H Me H H H 86- 88 30 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H i-Pr H H 178- 179 31 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H t-Bu H H 169- 170 32 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H cyclohexyl H H 227- 229 33 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H EtO H H 94-95 34 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H H Cl H H [MH]⁺: 400 35 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H F H [MH]⁺: 434 36 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 F H H H H 204- 206 37 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H H CF₃O H H 198- 199 38 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H H Br H H 209- 210 39 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H Me Me H H 148- 150 40 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 2 H H H H H 158- 159 41 H, CF₃O, H, H,1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H iPr H H H 164- H 165 42 H, CF₃, H, H,1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H CF₃ H H H 197- H 198 43 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 0 H CF₃ H H H 131- 132 44 H, CF₃, H, H,1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H 181- H 182 45 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-6-yl H 0 H Me H Me H 161- 163 46 H, H, H, H, H 1,2,3- H 0H Me H Me H 179- Trimethylindol-5- 181 yl 47 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-4-yl H 0 H Me H Me H 94- 106 48 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-6-yl H 1 H F H H H 173- 175 49 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-7-yl H 1 H F H H H 153- 155 50 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 2 F H H H H 187- 188 51 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 2 H H F H H 198- 199 52 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 3 H H H H H 177- 178 53 H, MeO, H, H,1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H 165- H 166 54 H, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-7-yl H 0 H Me H Me H 180- 182 55 H, F, H, H, H 1,2,3- H 1H F H H H 183- Trimethylindol-5- 185 yl 56 H, F, H, H, H1-Methylindol-4-yl H 1 H F H H H 197- 199 57 H, F, H, H, H 1,2- H 1 H FH H H 206- Dimethylindol-5- 208 yl 58 H, F, H, H, H 1-Methylindol-5-yl H2 H H t-Bu H H 182- 184 59 H, H, MeO, H, 1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H HH 202- H 205 60 MeO, H, H, H, 1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H 177- H179 61 MeO, H, OMe, 1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H 183- H, H 185 62 H,Cl, H, H, H 1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H 201- 202 63 H, Me, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H [MH]⁺: 412 64 H, SO₂Me, H,1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H 221- H, H 223 65 H, NO₂, H, H,1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H [MH]⁺: H 443 66 H, F, H, H, H1-Isopropylindol- H 1 H F H H H 167- 5-yl 168 67 F, H, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H 184- 185 68 H, iPr, H, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H 190- 191 69 H, CF₃, H, H,1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H H H H H 193- H 194 70 H, F, H, H, H Indol-5-ylH 1 H F H H H 158- 163 71 H, OCF₃, H, H, 1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H HH 188- H 189 72 Me, H, H, H, H 1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H 204- 20573 H, tBu, H, H, H 1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H 209- 210 74 H, NH₂,H, H, 1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H 189- H 191 75 H, H, Me, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H 206- 208 76 H, H, F, H, H1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H F H H H 230- 231 77 H, OMe, 1-Methylindol-5-ylH 1 H F H H H 243- OMe, H, H 246 78 H, H, H, H, H 1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1H F H H H 185- 186 79 H, F, H, H, H 1-Methylindol-5-yl H 1 H H H H H193- 194 80 H, F, H, H, H 1-Methylindol-5-yl H 2 H CF₃ H H H 172- 173 81H, F, H, H, H 1-Methylindol-5-yl H 2 H F H H H 178- 180

The compounds of the invention have been subjected to in vitro and invivo pharmacological trials which have demonstrated their advantage assubstances possessing therapeutic activities.

Test of the Inhibition of the Current Induced by Capsaicin with Regardto Rat DRGs

Primary Culture of Rat Dorsal Route Ganglion (DRG) Cells:

The neurons of the DRG naturally express the TRPV1 receptor.

Primary cultures of DRGs of newborn rats are prepared from 1-day-oldrats. Briefly, after dissection, the ganglions are trypsinized and theircells dissociated mechanically by gentle trituration. The cells areresuspended in an Eagle's basal culture medium comprising 10% of foetalcalf serum, 25 mM KCl, 2 mM glutamine, 100 μg/ml of gentamicin and 50ng/ml of NGF and then deposited on glass cover slips covered withlaminin (0.25×106 cells per cover slip) which are subsequently placed in12-well Corning dishes. The cells are incubated at 37° C. in ahumidified atmosphere comprising 5% of CO₂ and 95% of air. Cytosineβ-D-arabinoside (1 μM) is added 48 h after culturing, in order toprevent the growth of non-neuronal cells. After culturing for 7-10 days,the cover slips are transferred into experimental chambers for the patchclamp studies.

Electrophysiology:

The measurement chambers (volume 800 μl) comprising the cell preparationare placed on the stage of an inverted microscope (Olympus IMT2)equipped with Hoffman optics (Modulation Contrast, New York) and areobserved at a magnification of 400×. The chambers are continuouslyperfused by gravity (2.5 ml/min) using a distributor of solutions whichhas 8 inlets, the single outlet of which, composed of a polyethylenetube (opening 500 μm), is placed at least 3 mm from the cell studied.The “whole cell” configuration of the patch clamp technique was used.Borosilicate glass pipettes (resistance 5-10 Mohms) are brought close tothe cell using a 3D piezoelectric micromanipulator (Burleigh, PC1000).The overall currents (membrane potential set at −60 mV) are recordedwith an Axopatch 1D amplifier (Axon Instruments, Foster City, Calif.)connected to a PC controlled by Pclamp8 software (Axon Instruments). Thecurrent plots are recorded on paper and simultaneously recordeddigitally (sampling frequency 15 to 25 Hz) and acquired on the hard diskof the PC.

The application of a 300 nM capsaicin solution produces an incomingcationic current with regard to the DRG cells (voltage set at −70 mV).In order to minimize the desensitization of the receptors, a minimuminterval of one minute between two applications of capsaicin isobserved. After a control period (stabilization of the capsaicin aloneresponse), the test compounds are applied alone at a concentration of 10nM for a period of time of 4 to 5 minutes, during which severalcapsaicin+compound tests are carried out (obtaining the maximuminhibition). The results are expressed as % of inhibition of the controlcapsaicin response.

The percentages of inhibition of the capsaicin (300 nM) response arebetween 20% and 100% for the most active compounds of the inventiontested at a concentration of 10 nM (see some examples in Table 2).

The compounds of the invention are thus effective in vitro antagonistsof receptors of TRPV1 type.

TABLE 2 % Inhibition by the DRG Compound No. patch technique 1 56 11 48Mouse Corneal Irritation Test

The irritating nature of capsaicin is easily assessed on the corneasince this organ is one of the most innervated by C fibers. In thiscontext, according to preliminary experiments, the application of a verysmall amount of capsaicin (2 μl at a concentration of 160 μM) at thesurface of the cornea of an animal results in a number of kinds ofstereotyped behavior related to irritation which are easy to record.These include: blinking of the eye, rubbing of the instilled eye by theipsilateral front paw, rubbing of the face with the two front paws andscratching of the ipsilateral face by the hind paw. The duration ofthese kinds of behavior does not exceed 2 minutes of observation and theanimal then resumes its normal activity. Its appearance is furthermorealso normal. The mouse does not hide in a corner with the hairs standingon end and does not develop any observable signs of suffering. It may beconcluded therefrom that the duration of action of capsaicin at thesedoses is less than 2 minutes.

Summary of the Methodology:

The principle of the series of experiments is to determine whether thecompounds of the invention can influence the behavioral response inducedby a given amount of capsaicin. Capsaicin is initially diluted to 25 mMin DMSO and is diluted, for its final use, in 10% Tween 80 inphysiological saline. It appears, from control studies, that the solventhas no effect under these conditions.

In practice, the test product is administered orally and, with a delay(pretreatment time: t) which depends on the pharmacokinetic data, theanimal receives the ocular instillation of 2 μl of a 160 μM capsaicinsolution prepared as indicated above. During observation for 2 minutesfollowing the instillation, the number of rubbing actions on theinstilled eye by the ipsilateral front paw is recorded.

For a given animal, the percentage of protection is calculated asfollows:P=100−((number of scratching actions observed/mean number of scratchingactions of the group treated with the solvent)×100).

This percentage of protection is converted to a mean for each group ofanimals (n=number of animals tested with the compound of the invention).

The percentages of protection evaluated in this model for the mostactive compounds of the invention, used at a dose of 60 mg/kg (p.o.),are between 8% and 100% (see some examples in Table 3):

TABLE 3 % P - (t) at 60 mg/kg Compound No. (p.o.) - (n = 8) 1 26% - (1h) 14 60% - (1 h)

The results of these trials show that the most active compounds of theinvention block the effects induced by the stimulation of the TRPV1receptors.

The compounds of the invention can thus be used for the preparation ofmedicaments, in particular for the preparation of a medicament intendedto prevent or to treat pathologies in which receptors of TRPV1 type areinvolved.

Thus, according to another of its aspects, a subject-matter of theinvention is medicaments which comprise a compound of formula (I) or apharmaceutically acceptable salt or also a hydrate or a solvate of thesaid compound.

These medicaments are employed in therapeutics, in particular in theprevention and/or the treatment of pain and inflammation, chronic,neuropathic (traumatic, diabetic, metabolic, infectious, toxic, inducedby an anticancer treatment or iatrogenic), (osteo)arthritic or rheumaticpain, fibromyalgia, bone pain, cancer-related pain, trigeminalneuralgia, cephalgia, migraine, dental pain, burns, sunburn, bites orstings, post-herpetic neuralgia, muscle pain, nerve compression (centraland/or peripheral), marrow and/or brain trauma, ischemia (of the marrowand/or brain), neurodegeneration, hemorrhagic vascular accidents (of themarrow and/or brain) or post-stroke pain.

The compounds of the invention can be used for the preparation of amedicament intended to prevent and/or to treat urological disorders,such as bladder hyperactivity, bladder hyperreflexia, bladderinstability, incontinence, urgent urination, urinary incontinence,cystitis, renal colic, pelvic hypersensitivity and pelvic pain.

The compounds of the invention can be used for the preparation of amedicament intended to prevent and/or to treat gynecological disorders,such as vulvodynia, salpingitis-related pain or dysmenorrhea.

These products can also be used for the preparation of a medicamentintended to prevent and/or to treat gastrointestinal disorders, such asgastro-oesophageal reflux disorder, stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers,functional dyspepsia, colitis, IBS, Crohn's disease, pancreatitis,oesophagitis or biliary colic.

Likewise, the products of the present invention may be of use in theprevention and/or the treatment of respiratory disorders, such asasthma, coughs, COPD, bronchoconstriction and inflammatory disorders.These products can also be used to prevent and/or to treat psoriasis,pruritus, irritation of the skin, eyes or mucous membranes, herpes orshingles.

The compounds of the invention can also be used for the preparation of amedicament intended to treat depression.

According to another of its aspects, the present invention relates topharmaceutical compositions comprising, as active principle, a compoundaccording to the invention. These pharmaceutical compositions comprisean effective dose of at least one compound according to the invention,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a hydrate or a solvate of thesaid compound, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

The said excipients are chosen, according to the pharmaceutical form andthe method of administration desired, from the usual excipients known toa person skilled in the art.

In the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention for oral,sublingual, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, topical, local,intratracheal, intranasal, transdermal or rectal administration, theactive principle of formula (I) above, or its optional salt, solvate orhydrate, can be administered in unit administration form, as a mixturewith conventional pharmaceutical excipients, to animals and human beingsfor the prophylaxis or the treatment of the disorders or diseasesmentioned above.

The appropriate unit administration forms comprise oral forms, such astablets, soft or hard gelatin capsules, powders, granules and oralsolutions or suspensions, sublingual, buccal, intratracheal, intraocularand intranasal administration forms, forms for administration byinhalation, topical, transdermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular orintravenous administration forms, rectal administration forms andimplants. The compounds according to the invention can be used, fortopical application, in creams, gels, ointments or lotions.

By way of example, a unit administration form of a compound according tothe invention in the tablet form can comprise the following components:

Compound according to the invention 50.0 mg Mannitol 223.75 mgCroscarmellose sodium 6.0 mg Maize starch 15.0 mgHydroxypropylmethylcellulose 2.25 mg Magnesium stearate 3.0 mg

The said unit forms comprise doses in order to make possible dailyadministration of 0.001 to 30 mg of active principle per kg of bodyweight, depending on the pharmaceutical dosage form.

There may be specific cases where higher or lower dosages areappropriate; such dosages do not depart from the scope of the invention.According to the usual practice, the dosage appropriate to each patientis determined by the physician according to the method of administrationand the weight and response of the said patient.

The present invention, according to another of its aspects, also relatesto a method for the treatment of the pathologies indicated above whichcomprises the administration, to a patient, of an effective dose of acompound according to the invention, or one of its pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts or hydrates or solvates.

1. A method of treating a disease selected from the group consisting ofbladder hyperactivity, bladder hyperreflexia, bladder instability,incontinence, urgent urination, urinary incontinence, cystitis, renalcolic, pelvic hypersensitivity, pelvic pain, asthma and cough,comprising administering to a patient in need of said treatment atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

in which X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄ and Z₅ represent, independentlyof one another, a hydrogen or halogen atom or a C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₇cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ fluoroalkoxy, cyano,C(O)NR₁R₂, nitro, NR₁R₂, C₁-C₆ thioalkyl, —S(O)—(C₁-C₆) alkyl,—S(O)₂—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, SO₂NR₁R₂, NR₃COR₄, NR₃SO₂R₅ or aryl group; X₅represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆fluoroalkyl group; R represents a 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-indolyl group,

R optionally being substituted in the 1, 2 or 3 position by one or moregroups chosen from the C₁-C₆ alkyl and C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl groups; Roptionally being substituted in the 4, 5, 6 or 7 position by one or moregroups chosen from halogen atoms or C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl,C₁-C₆ alkoxy or C₁-C₆ fluoroalkoxy groups; Y represents a hydrogen atomor a C₁-C₆ alkyl group; n is equal to 0, 1, 2 or 3; R₁ and R₂ represent,independently of one another, a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₇cycloalkyl, (C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl or aryl group; or R₁ and R₂form, together with the nitrogen atom which carries them, an azetidine,pyrrolidine, piperidine, azepine, morpholine, thiomorpholine, piperazineor homopiperazine group, said group optionally being substituted by aC₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, (C₃-C₇)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₃)alkyl or arylgroup; R₃ and R₄ represent, independently of one another, a hydrogenatom or a C₁-C₆ alkyl or aryl group; and R₅ represents a C₁-C₆ alkyl oraryl group.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the compound offormula (I) is having: X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, Z₁, Z₂, Z₃, Z₄ and Z₅ represent,independently of one another, a hydrogen or halogen atom or a C₁-C₆alkyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆fluoroalkoxy, nitro, NR₁R₂, C₁-C₆ thioalkyl, —S(O)—(C₁-C₆) alkyl,—S(O)₂—(C₁-C₆) alkyl or aryl group; X₅ represents a hydrogen atom or aC₁-C₆ alkyl group; R represents a 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-indolyl group,

R optionally being substituted in the 1, 2 or 3 position by one or moreC₁-C₆ alkyl groups; Y represents a hydrogen atom; n is equal to 0, 1, 2or 3; and R₁ and R₂ represent, independently of one another, a hydrogenatom.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the compound offormula (I) is having: R represents an indol-5-yl group

R optionally being substituted in the 1, 2 or 3 position by one or moregroups chosen from C₁-C₆ alkyl and C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl groups; and Roptionally being substituted in the 4, 6 or 7 position by one or moregroups chosen from halogen atoms or C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl,C₁-C₆ alkoxy or C₁-C₆ fluoroalkoxy groups.
 4. The method according toclaim 1, wherein X₂ or X₃ is other than a hydrogen atom.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein X₅ represents a hydrogen atom.
 6. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein Y represents a hydrogen atom. 7.The method according to claim 1, wherein the disease is bladderhyperactivity.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the diseaseis bladder hyperreflexia.
 9. The method according to claim 1, whereinthe disease is bladder instability.
 10. The method according to claim 1,wherein the disease is incontinence.
 11. The method according to claim1, wherein the disease is urgent urination.
 12. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the disease is urinary incontinence.
 13. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the disease is cystitis.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the disease is renal colic.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the disease is pelvic hypersensitivity.16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the disease is pelvic pain.17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the disease is asthma. 18.The method according to claim 1, wherein the disease is cough.